JEDDAH: The Consulate General of France in Jeddah hosted a special Hijazi dinner followed by a musical evening on Wednesday.
The event brought together prominent figures to celebrate cultural exchange and strong Saudi-French ties. It featured a stellar lineup of Saudi artists, including Abdullah Rashad, Al-Aidrous, Mohammed Hashem and Mohammed Hamdi, who delivered a captivating performance that blended Hijazi authenticity with artistic creativity.
The Saudi and Hijazi music brought the rich history, deep emotions and cultural beauty back to the Saudi audience. “Ya Musafir Wahdak,” first sung by Mohamed Abdel Wahab, is a classic song about a traveler saying goodbye to a loved one. “Layla Ya Layla,” performed by Al-Aidrous and originally sung by Mohamed Abdu, is a beloved song that reflects Hijazi musical traditions. “Mudhilla,” by Abdul Majeed Abdullah, is known for its beautiful lyrics and melody.
“Ya Mustajeeb Lil-Da’i,” a traditional Hijazi song, was also originally sung by Mohamed Abdu and is deeply connected to Saudi heritage. Lastly, “Al-Khayzarana,” performed by Abdullah Rashad, evoked the lively spirit of Hijazi folklore.
Guests indulged in an authentic Hijazi feast, highlighting the rich flavours of traditional cuisine. Signature dishes included mutabaq, kibdah (liver), mantu, farmoza, and kabab miro, along with a variety of grilled specialities that showcased the depth of the region’s culinary heritage.
In his address, French Consul General in Jeddah Mohamed Nehad emphasized the strength of bilateral relations between France and Saudi Arabia, commending the strategic partnership and collaboration in various fields, particularly in culture and the arts.
Nehad told Arab News: “This evening brings together Saudi artists performing timeless songs from the country’s rich heritage. The event serves as a celebration of cultural exchange and camaraderie, uniting friends in Jeddah for a memorable musical night. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, guests can immerse themselves in the spirit of tradition and shared appreciation for art and music.”
With Ramadan approaching, the event took on an added significance, providing a platform for cultural dialogue and strengthening bonds between attendees in an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.
Through this gathering, the consulate reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and fostering deeper cooperation and mutual understanding between the Saudi and French communities.
